clintb

I have 25 points, been holding out for unit 1 early rifle. I may do a bonus point this year, in order to hopefully draw unit 1 next year.

Here’s a pic of my son. He’s in the middle.

Message sent if they’re available

Tell me more. Really, I had 24 points this last elk draw, no dice. I now have 25. I have had a lifetime license since 2015.

Hope you guys find them. Those are good binos, have had a set for years. They have been everywhere with me just had them in Costa Rica last week

If sale falls through let me know!

I like the system the way it is. I also have 24 points for elk, 19 for antelope and 7 for deer. I knew/know the odds when I started applying for the hunts I want (although if I could go back in time, I would never apply for early rifle elk!). I've talked to hunters who have drawn the hunts I apply for who have less points, I'm always happy for them. Luck of the draw! When I started applying for elk/antelope, you had to send in a check or money order for the total cost, that explains why I'm 5 less points for antelope than elk! As far as the money spent on applications etc... it's the cost of getting into the the dance, one day the the Draw Goddess will notice me on the dance floor and I will get lucky! Or as it's turns out for elk, she'll take pity on this dude and I'll be in the max points draw. For my son and my nephews, I started putting them in for hunts or at least bonus points once they could hunt. One change I could see AZGFD making that I would support, is antelope being a "once in a lifetime".

Sierra Vista is home, I own the Alpine Garage in Alpine

Oh that must be a wrist snapper! Shot a Thompson Center 45/70 it was stout. This pistol would go perfect with my Ruger #1 in 45/70!

I will take whatever’s left, problem is I’m in Sierra Vista and Alpine!

Been doing this since I was a kid, seems to be pretty dang close!

Thanks for all the input. I applied 23n 1st choice and 23s 2nd. Good luck to everyone in the draw!

I hear you, I cant imagine not hunting for 23 years! I hunt every year, been fortunate to hunt some places many people will never get to. Just haven't drawn elk in Arizona. Truth be told, if I had known how long it would take to draw, I never would have applied for early rifle. At some point, you accrue enough bonus points, that only applying for the early rifle makes since.

Thanks for all the input. I'm in decent shape, walk 4-5 miles everyday, and hike when I can. I'm not in the shape I was in when I started putting in for an early rifle tag, but I'll be ready for the hunt when I draw. Being that I will never put in for a early rifle tag once I draw, I will more than likely hire a guide.

I have 23 points going into the draw this year. I was pretty confident I would draw unit 1 early rifle last year with 22 points. That is the hunt I have always wanted. Looking at odds, unit 23n, 23s, 3a/3c and 27 are viable this year, everything else should be a given. My dilemma is should I keep waiting on unit 1, or go for another unit? Looking for suggestions, thanks.